About Stomphia coccinea (Müller, 1776)
The specific epithet 'coccinea' means 'scarlet', and refers to this sea anemone's distinctive coloration, which is often reddish with orange stripes, covering both its column and up to 80 tentacles. This anemone can grow up to 6 centimeters in diameter, and has a very flattened profile when its body is retracted. This species attaches itself to rocks and shells. In northern Europe, the most common substrate it uses is the shell of the horse mussel Modiolus modiolus. As a suspension feeder, it eats planktonic material. When attacked by predators such as starfish, or the nudibranch species Aeolidia papillosa or Eubranchus exiguus, it can release the grip of its basal disc and float away. If it escapes successfully, it will soon attach to a new substrate.
